Is turmeric + black pepper all its cracked up to be

The most vibrant of orange/yellow colour turmeric can be consumed in so many ways once usually added to food as a spice, you can even get it as a latte these days!

Being one of the main spices originating from India and traditionally used in currys, did you know it is also used to naturally colour foods, like butter and cheese and even cosmetics!

The colour comes from the compound curcumin a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that has been proven to reduce pain and fight inflammation, perfect if suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, depression, endometriosis, other inflammatory conditions and can support preventing heart disease.

Most of the scientific evidence is with the active ingredient curcumin as an extract, as it would be very difficult to reach therapeutic levels with turmeric itself.  With most dosages usually greater than 1 gram per day. In some low grade over the counter formulas piperine (black pepper) is needed to aid in absorption, however in practitioner grade supplements that I can prescribe it isn’t necessary.

The most studied benefits have been to reduce depression and is safe for those using antidepressants. The same mechanism of increasing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth hormone in your brain, has also been beneficial at delaying Alzheimer’s disease, which has been shown to be reduced in depression and Alzheimer’s. It is suggested to also improve memory and might even make you smarter…. Let’s face it who doesn’t need that!

Studies have also shown it is beneficial for hayfever sufferers, reducing the itching, sneezing, congestion and runny nose symptoms.

There is limited research suggesting that turmeric extracts can even reduce blood levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and prevents build-up of fat in the liver and particularly helpful for those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

There is early research that suggests turmeric extracts can aid in improving Crohn’s disease symptoms, muscle soreness, dyspepsia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and preventing diabetes.

Before taking turmeric supplements it is essential that you seek advice from a health practitioner as it can interact with some medications.

Why not just add this spice to your shopping list…. And put it in your cooking where you can, as the benefits may not be quite as effective as an extract but it can still be a beneficial addition for the entire family’s health!

For hormone testing, rebalancing and individualised evidence based natural care give Kacey a call or follow her on Facebook at Natural Health Centre – Kacey Grieves 9332 1119